IAI Eitan (Heron TP)

Type
Medium-altitude long-endurance
Origin
Israel
Produced
2004
Service ceiling
14,000 m

Description

IAI Eitan is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle, which was developer in Israel around 2004. It was invented by Israel Aerospace Industries (the Malat division of it) and it's a newer, updated version of the IAI Heron.

Development

In the first months of 2004, The Israeli Air Force claimed, that two prototypes of the drobne were already flying. However, two years later, in 2006, it was reported that the drone was having its maiden flight, despite the previoud information. Just a couple of months later, in early 2007, Yedioth Ahronoth informed that the mentioned maiden flight will takÄ™ place in the upcoming days.

Finally, it was unveiled to the public on the end of 2007. Eitan might be used for urveillance, target acquisition or reconnaissance purposes, as well as an aerial refuelling. It's also capable of holding armed roles, Such as missile defence and long-range strategic strike.

Operators

As of 2004, The IAI Eitan was used by Israeli Defence Force, Indian Air Force and Hellenic Air Force. In 2012, British Royal Air Force considered buying IAI Eitan, but finally decided otherwise, however the matter is not closed from future discussion. The purchase was also considered by France, but was blocked by the French senate and replaced with another device of the kind.

General characteristics

The capacity of the drone is 2700 kg payload with a max takeoff weight of 5400 kg. It's powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6-67A. The device's length is 14m and wingspan: 26 m.

Performance

The unmanned combat aerial vehicle can reach a maximum speed of 407 km/h and a range of about 7400 km. IAI Eitan is able to endure a 30 hours flight (or even a bit longer one) with the service ceiling on about 14 000 m.

Specifications

Range: 7,400 km (4,600 mi)
Max Speed: 407 km/h
Service ceiling: 14,000 m
Armament:
Weight empty: 2700 kg
Weight max: 5400 kg

Dimensions

Length: 14 m
Width: 26 m
Height: -

Dimensional visualization

Operators

Table Map
Flag Country Number Variant
Germany 5 Heron TP
Greece 3 IAI Eitan - Heron TP
India 10 IAI_Eitan
Israel 15 IAI Eitan

Images

IAI Eitan (Heron TP)
Author: By MathKnight and Zachi Evenor - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63796512 Licenses

Videos

Lack of videos.